California Ballot Initiatives Explained

California has several ballot initiatives to consider on Nov. 4, some controversial and some not so controversial. We’ll talk with McGeorge Law Professor Mary-Beth Moylan who teaches election law and the initiative process about what they all mean and how they affect Californians.

A measure on the November ballot would give California’s elected insurance commissioner power to reject health insurance premium increases for people in individual and small group plans. The policy change would be more complicated than it seems.

On November 4th, California voters will decide the fate of a $7.5 billion bond intended to improve the state’s water system. Proposition 1 is one of the most closely watched measures on the ballot. But it has divided some environmental groups.

A measure on the California November ballot would reduce some drug possession and theft-related felony crimes to misdemeanors. Proponents say it would reduce prison overcrowding and prison costs. Opponents say it would put dangerous criminals back on the streets and overcrowd local jails.